Virgin America unveils hi-tech cabins

Virgin has revealed details relating to its new hi-tech Virgin America aircraft, which is expected to fly domestic routes across the USA if official approval for the new airline is granted.

The airline's new broadband-ready Airbus A320 aircraft will feature a wide array of gadgets and gizmos to keep passengers occupied for hours, as well as lush new interiors.

These new features include nine-inch widescreen touch-sensitive screens, full qwerty keyboards and controls for games, 110v power that requires no adaptors and USB and RJ-45 sockets.

In addition, Virgin America customers will be able to send emails, send instant messages to other passengers, listen to more than 3,000 mp3s, play open source games such as Doom and take advantage of wireless access points.

"The Red System is a comprehensive interactive environment where passengers are active participants in their entertainment experience – they truly can create, discover and enjoy their own inflight experiences," commented Charles Ogilvie, director of inflight entertainment and partnerships for Virgin America.

Virgin is expecting a decision to be made by US transport officials on whether Virgin America will be able to begin operations later this year.

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